From the pianoforte to the smartphone, each wave of tech has sparked fears of brain rot. But the problem isn’t our ability to focus—it’s what we’re focussing on.
In a sense, what attention alarmists seek is protection from a competition that they’re losing.
I used to read encyclopedias and instruction manuals for pleasure as a child. As an adult, I now read Wikipedia, tech white papers, and scientific journal articles. You absolutely can read for pleasure online. It’s not all garbage.
Don’t gatekeep. It really depends on what you’re reading, not where you’re accessing it. A lot of the most popular books (trashy romance and self help books) require similar if not less focus vs quality online content.
That said, I think you’re right it we’re talking about average readers. That said, don’t jump to conclusions, and instead ask what they like to read. Who knows, maybe you’ll find something interesting. I wrote off graphic novels for years, and then I read one and it was quite good.
Anyone who equates reading anything on the internet with “avid reading” has never read for pleasure in their life.
I used to read encyclopedias and instruction manuals for pleasure as a child. As an adult, I now read Wikipedia, tech white papers, and scientific journal articles. You absolutely can read for pleasure online. It’s not all garbage.
Don’t gatekeep. It really depends on what you’re reading, not where you’re accessing it. A lot of the most popular books (trashy romance and self help books) require similar if not less focus vs quality online content.
That said, I think you’re right it we’re talking about average readers. That said, don’t jump to conclusions, and instead ask what they like to read. Who knows, maybe you’ll find something interesting. I wrote off graphic novels for years, and then I read one and it was quite good.